I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking for the new WellHouse facility in St. Clair County. The WellHouse is a non-profit organization that rescues, provides shelter and ministers to victims of human and sex trafficking. Their mission seeks to rescue and provide opportunities for restoration while also educating the public on the exploitation of the vulnerable, all through the power and principles of the Christian Faith. The WellHouse is a place of grace and provides many opportunities to extend God’s Grace to these victims. There are several levels to this program, beginning with the initial call to their crisis line. The new property will include five million dollar construction projects with plans for two short-term group homes, executive offices for evaluation and training, a long term group home and a chapel overlooking a beautiful pond. The WellHouse is committed to ongoing awareness efforts, including presentations to schools (counselors, teachers, and students) statewide, as well as training sessions for civic and law enforcement organizations. Each presentation contributes to the effort and role of the WellHouse in helping to eradicate the evil of human trafficking in our society. For more information about this wonderful organization, please visit their website at well-house.org.

The Leeds/Moody Professional Women’s Organization, LadyBUGS, is collecting food items for the Leeds Outreach. You may drop off any donations at LA Salon Flowers & Boutique located at 1601 9th Street in Leeds across from Murray’s Garage Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – noon. For more information, please call (205) 699-3042.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, the Leeds Redevelopment Authority and the Leeds Historical Preservation Committee are partnering with local business owners to LIGHT THE NIGHT throughout the holiday season from Monday, Oct. 31 through New Year’s Day. All businesses are encouraged to light the tops of your buildings. Everyone is encouraged to shop and window shop in Downtown Leeds. For more information, please contact Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001.

Our State Representative Dickie Drake and State Senator Slade Blackwell were the guest speakers at the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week. They held a debate and also explained amendments that will be on the ballot on Nov. 8.

With this being the Halloween season, there’s plenty of activities to enjoy. Happy Halloween!

The Leeds Library will host a Halloween Street Party on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5 – 7 p.m., which will include a bounce house, food, games and much more for some free spooky fun. For more information, please call the library at (205) 699-5962.

Pioneer General Store and Antique Market in Leeds will host an Open House to celebrate their first successful year on Friday-Saturday, Oct. 28-29 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. They will have food and prizes and plenty of items for shopping.

Monster Mash Dash 2016 5k and Fun Run hosted by Leeds Elementary and Primary School is scheduled for Oct. 29. Fun Run is set for 8 a.m. and 5k at 9 a.m. For more information, please contact either school or download event and vendor application at LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The Outlet Shops of Grand River will present No Tricks – All Treats at the Coyote Drive-In from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. Plenty of fun for kids includes a bounce house, face painting, gift basket auction, complimentary photographs and children’s activities – while supplies last: coloring books, pumpkin decoration, arts, crafts and costume contest planned for 2 p.m.

The American Legion Post 107 Leeds will host a Trunk or Treat Event on Saturday, Oct. 29 from noon – 2 p.m. This event is free to the public and includes a moonwalk, hot dogs, cake walk and balloon pop.

Ashville Road Church of Christ will host their Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 4 – 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church Moody will host their Fall Festival Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 4 – 6 p.m.

Leeds Downtown Trick or Treating is scheduled for Halloween, Oct. 31 from 3 – 5 p.m. along the downtown streets to provide a safe place for children to trick or treat. All businesses located on the Parkway downtown are encouraged to participate. If your business is not located on the Parkway downtown and you would like to participate, please contact Sandra McGuire at (205) 699-5001 for your designated area to set up. There is no fee to participate, just bring lots of candy. If you have children, please bring them out to enjoy this awesome free event!

Leeds First United Methodist Church will host their Fall Festival on Monday, Oct. 31 from 3 – 5 p.m. in conjunction with Leeds Downtown Trick or Treat.

Moody Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Liaison Participants will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Moody City Hall. If you are a business professional or individual who would like to participate on community projects, please feel free to attend. There is no cost to attend.

Moody Kiwanis Club will meet at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Moody City Hall. Guests are always welcome. Their club sponsors three Key Clubs, three Builders Clubs, and Moody Aktion Club.

Leeds Redevelopment Authority / Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 in the Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

Leeds Lions Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 in the Leeds Masonic Lodge building. Contact T.V. Weaver, President, at (205) 699-6742 for more information.

The Leeds Masonic Lodge Community Breakfast is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. Breakfast is free, but donations would be appreciated. All donations stay in the City of Leeds community involvement programs. Contact T. V. Weaver for more information at (205) 699-6742.

The Second Annual Lakeside Hospice Drumstick Dart 5k and 1 Mile Gobble Wobble Fun Run will be held at the Outlet Shops of Grand River on Saturday, Nov. 5. This is an event for the entire family. The Drumstick Dart 5k is for the running enthusiast. The Gobble Wobble Run is for the rest of the family. Please make plans to register, have fun and support a great cause. Lakeside Hospice is a faith-based, community supported, not-for-profit ministry committed to caring for the terminally ill and serves Blount, Calhoun, Coosa, Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Talladega counties. Please direct questions to Susan Cook at (205) 884-1111 or email to scook@lakesidehospice.org.

Quote for the Week: “Be a fountain, not a drain.” ~ Unknown.

I truly appreciate each of you who read my column and I really love sharing news, so please remember to send your Leeds and Moody news to me at leedsmoodynews@gmail.com. See you next week!